After going through a long period of relative stability in the world grain markets, there have been some major interventions in the past few years. The combined impacts of these interventions have resulted in more volatile markets and production

The past few months have been eventful for college senior Dylan Pratt. He’s lost his grandfather and taken on a satisfying new responsibility at school. He’s also expanded his horizons — and his job search.

At this time of year, the cows are calving or pregnant, so the feeling of contentment is prevalent within the cow herd. If one never has experienced the pleasure of walking among a herd of pregnant cows, ewes or other ruminants, there is a palpable feeling of contentment, a pleasurable waiting moment.

In an extraordinary display of unity, 392 farm, nutrition and conservation groups have written congressional budget letters urging no cuts in any programs within the jurisdiction of the Senate and House Agriculture Committees.

Growth Energy, the organization of ethanol plant builders and operators, supports granting trade promotion authority to President Barack Obama so the administration can complete the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement and work on the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, Growth Energy CEO Tom Buis said.

A recent report is advising Americans to eat less meat, for both nutritional and environmental reasons.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture released its 2015 Dietary Advisory Guidelines, a report released every five years and is generally used as an eating guide to promote healthy lifestyles. This year, however, the report is also encouraging plant-based diets, due to their lighter environmental impact.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking comment by March 30 on recommendations that eventually could lead to changes in its prevented-planting insurance coverage levels. If approved, the changes would cut corn prevented-planting payment levels and increase rates for potatoes and green peas, among other things.

A Grand Forks, N.D., soil health workshop sponsored by local, county, state and federal organizations, drew upwards of 200 agriculturalists, most from northeast North Dakota and northwest Minnesota. This year’s attendance was nearly double that of a year ago.

WATFORD CITY, N.D. -- Chuck Suchy stood on the stage of the historic Belle Mehus Theater in our state’s capital city, behind his guitar, behind a single microphone and in front of a room full of area musicians and entertainers who had come together for the first attempt at celebrating the state’s music industry.